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Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

This Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe offers a crispy, flavorful seafood dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive for any meal. Featuring a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powder, the tilapia fillets are pan-fried to golden perfection and finished in the oven for a tender, flaky center. Perfect served with lemon wedges and your choice of sides, this dish brings a delicious balance of textures and zesty flavors to the table.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Coating

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Wet Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the tilapia after pan-frying.
  2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even seasoning.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
  4. Season and Dry Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
  5. Coat Fillets: Dip each fillet into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off. Then press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the crust adheres evenly on all sides.
  6. Heat Oil in Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
  7. Pan-Fry First Side: Place the coated tilapia fillets carefully into the skillet without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Flip and Fry Other Side: Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp.
  9. Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the fillets for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  10. Remove and Plate: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the tilapia fillets onto a serving platter.
  11. Add Final Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for brightness and flavor.
  12. Serve: Serve your Parmesan-crusted tilapia with lemon wedges on the side paired with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice/quinoa for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the fillets to a baking dish after pan-frying before baking.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet while frying to maintain crispiness.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste, especially the paprika for extra smoky flavor.
  • Ensure the fish reaches 145°F internally for safe consumption.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently to preserve crispness.

Keywords: Tilapia, Parmesan crusted fish, crispy fish recipe, easy seafood dinner, pan-fried tilapia, panko crust fish, quick fish recipe

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/parmesan-crusted-tilapia-recipe/